Bishop Susan's Lenten Book for 2026: Rooted in Love

Each year, Bishop Susan Bell invites the people of the Diocese of Niagara to observe Lent through a shared resource that supports prayer, reflection, and spiritual formation. For Lent 2026, she has selected Rooted in Love: Lent Reflections on Life in Christ, a thoughtfully structured resource suitable for individual use, small groups, and parish communities.

“Reading this book is not only a wonderful way for us as Anglicans across our communion to support Bishop Mullaly’s forthcoming installation as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, but it also provides us with a meaningful Lenten discipline,” said Bishop Bell. “By engaging with this book as disciples and as a whole church, we have a wonderful opportunity to live into our Mission Action Plan, by igniting and strengthening our faith.”

Rooted in Love is compiled and edited by Archbishop Sarah Mullally, the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to serve in this role. The book offers forty daily reflections exploring what it means to live a Christ-centred life, addressing foundational questions of Christian discipleship: who Christ is, what it means to belong to the body of Christ, and how Christians are called to live faithfully in the world today.

The choice of this book carries special significance. Bishop Mullally will be formally installed as Archbishop of Canterbury on March 25, 2026, during the Lenten season. Reading her Lenten reflections during this same period offers the diocese a meaningful way to pray alongside the wider Anglican Communion at a historic moment in its life.

“This book is a superb resource to deepen our life with Christ through daily Scripture, prayer and actionable steps offered by Bishop Sarah and the area bishops of the Diocese of London,” said diocesan faith formation coordinator Monica Green. 

Originally published as a Lenten resource, Rooted in Love draws on contributions from the area bishops of the Diocese of London. Each day includes a Scripture passage, a prayer, and a suggested action, encouraging readers to integrate faith into daily life. This format makes the resource well-suited for personal devotion as well as parish-based Lenten study and group discussion.

As Emily Hill, parish development missioner, notes, the book reflects Bishop Susan’s ongoing emphasis on keeping Christ at the centre of diocesan life and ministry. Through its focus on Christ and the call to live as his body in the world, Rooted in Love supports a shared diocesan commitment to prayer, discipleship, and Christ-centred mission.

Widely received across Christian traditions, Rooted in Love is valued for its biblical depth, pastoral insight, and practical guidance. It offers a meaningful companion for the Lenten journey and encourages practices that can be sustained beyond the season.

“As we set about to observe a holy Lent, my prayer is that this year’s Lenten book will help all of us grow closer to Jesus and live a more Christ-centred life,” said Bishop Bell.